The Kumbhalgarh wildlife sanctuary would get expanded with addition of 19.78 sqkm area around Jawai dam in Pali extending its buffer zone for panthers and crocodiles. The buffer zone would be called Jawai dam conservation reserve and would support the main wildlife sanctuary with adding 1,978.58 hectare area.

The meeting was chaired by Bina Kak, the minister for forest and environment in Jaipur where the forest department said it was aimed at strengthening the wildlife conservation, particularly crocodiles and panthers, besides boosting the ecotourism in the area.

It was just the beginning of the process with approval of the proposal by the standing committee. The matter would now go before the government. Only after a nod by the state cabinet, the notification would be issued regarding declaration for Jawai dam conservation reserve.

Kumbhalgarh is a rugged part of the Aravalli between Pali and Udaipur districts of the state and was named after the historic fort of Kumbhalgarh.

It’s 578 sqkm in area and at an altitude of 500 to 1,300 m. It is home to a large variety of wildlife, some are highly endangered species. The wildlife includes wolf, leopards, sloth bear, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, sambhar, neelgai, chaisingh (the four-horn antelope), chinkara and hare.